No one thought the SkyClub rumors were "debunked" - Delta basically confirmed Amex SkyClub changes were coming directly to The Points Guy. The thing is we don't know (and neither did the alleged leaker know) what the exact changes are (but I guess we will see tomorrow!)

Well if you're talking about frequent flyer then it should be segment-based not distance-based. Miles-based clearly created loopholes in the form of mileage runs that were likely unprofitable for the airline, but great for travelers who had time and a little bit of money. The conventional wisdom on spend-based programs was that corporate clients wouldn't allow it because it would encourage employees to spend more on tickets to earn more miles/status; I have faint recollection of TWA trying it in the mid-90s but having to put the kibbosh on it. I can't imagine companies are any less concerned about this fundamentally, but clearly the airline consolidation has shifted the balance of power and maybe better technology can mitigate the impact of employee over-spending.

What's an "Amex SkyClub"?!?! :confused: :confused:

He’s obviously referring to Sky Club access via Amex card.

"Simplifying " sounds ominous.

I really don't care much anymore. DL miles are so worthless compared to their competition I have already given up trying to intentionally earn Skymiles.

and I look forward to flying foreign carriers much more often.

Probably the clearest indication so far that they could move to just one metric for elite qualification.

Ok, so I have had a hard time reconciling the statements about doubling spending on Delta cards with severe limitations to skyclub access with Amex cards. Yes tying status to more spending on Delta cards will help, but at the end of the day skyclub access is probably the #1 driver of card signups. So I think on top of status contributions to spending, skyclub visits will most likely be affected by spending as well. Just like the 75k on the amex platinum to get free guest access, a certain amount of spending will get an unlimited skyclub pass. And probably some intermediate steps that add a finite number of visits to the base free number.

I admit I do want it to be tougher to get status. I have no problem with that at all.

Following your logic though why not make Diamond free? Everyone is diamond! No problem! Upgrades? Done by fare paid. No bag fees anymore! but all the fares went up by $50 to cover the cost.

People who think having a level of status attached to their name provides some sort of affirmation will pay whatever it takes to get that status. DL knows that and they use it against us all the time. I am diamond because somebody pays for it. I am not special nor am I a better person than anyone else here because of it. I just happened to spend the right amount of money and have rollover MQM's to make the threshold.

Still, if we can thin the ranks and get rid of some elites that would be helpful. DL could increase my spend by actually providing value with diamond. I spend about 40k a year on flights with lots of international J. right now, that goes between two airlines because schedule is the only thing that is constant with the airlines. Sometimes DL has a better schedule, sometimes UA. If those airlines got it together and actually offered me a package of things that made sense I would focus my flights. Right now, I get overcrowded lounges, a crappy comfort + seat, the right to fight all the other diamonds and get on the plane after first class and shorter wait times on the phone. Honestly, that isn't worth much. I can get all of that for less than 20k spend and free agent.

So let me ask you, what does DL get by taking high spending customers and treating them poorly?

I am so looking forward to waiting in line for a SC behind multiple people trying to convince the attendants that they have MORE Amex spend than what's reflected in the Delta system even if it hasn't posted yet and . . . and . . .

I think I am going to check out on this thread until tomorrow morning. However I do need to book transcons for trips as soon as two weeks from now. What Delta does here will determine whether I book them or I book AA or Mint...

At least the MQD waiver tracker updates so quickly, so that bodes well

Amex is the one leaving money on the table by allowing Amex Platinum and DL Reserve cardholders to enter the other lounge. Why hold both cards?

Because both cards provide different (yet valuable) benefits that can offset the annual fees - the only major overlap in benefits is SkyClub access.